The IGD has urged grocery companies to throw their weight behind an initiative to create thousands of job opportunities for young people.

Speaking at the IGD’s Skills Summit this week, IGD CEO Joanne Denney-Finch said that although 50 companies had signed up for the Feeding Britain’s Future Skills for Work Week in September, there was still much the industry could do to help boost the confidence of younger workers.

There was a “confidence chasm” among unemployed 16-24 year olds, warned Denney-Finch.

At a recent youth forum, she had heard stories of “frustration and resignation”, she added.

“One person hadn’t applied for a job because it required a strong team player, even though he was captain of his local football team. Another had worked in a charity shop but hadn’t put it on her CV because it wasn’t the same as a regular shop,” she said.

“We’re running the risk of much of a whole generation beginning to feel this way. There’s a lot to do and our industry, which from farm to fork is the biggest employer in the UK, must surely be at the heart of it.”

She called on more companies to support Feeding Britain’s Future. “Fifty is a good number, but we think it can be much bigger and we want to make the greatest possible impact on behalf of the whole food and consumer goods supply chain,” she said. “This is a time for the whole industry to stand united.”

During the week, farms, manufacturing sites and stores will hold support and training workshops for young, unemployed and disadvantaged people to help them prepare for the workplace.

Participants will also be given advice on how to engage with potential employers, and help to develop their confidence and communication skills.

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